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These are the dog days of the bye week. I mean we at least have to thank the Patriots for providing us with a little mid-week entertainment by trading for Tailb. At least that gave us one meaty thread to gnaw on. Here is some additional minutia to ponder before we get back to the season.

1.It occurred to me that we are very quickly building a stable of RB's that is versitile, deep, talented, young and currently very inexpensive. Next year our RB stable will consist of Ridely, Vareen, Boldin, and Demps just for starters. All very young, fast and explosive (Boldin not so much, but he runs the hardest). And if for some reason you wanted Danny Woodhead back, he could be had for well under a million/yr

That's probably the most RB talent the Pats have ever had going into a season. And for those you desperate for more draft picks, an obvious area where we have some trade ammo.

2. Even before Talib was acquired a popular topic here was "Where should Devin McCourty play the rest of the season. Here is my 2 cents.

a. FS - There is a good case to move him back there. He has excellent range. Good coverage skills especially since he doesn't have to turn his back to the play as much, closes well on the ball, and is an excellent tackler. These are all things you look at in a coverage safety. So the safety position for the Pats would definitely be upgraded with that move.

b. Personally I'd be against it, if/when Gregory and Chung both return to health, for a bunch of reasons but these are the most pressing

1. McCourty has been very undervalued as a CB here. The stat that keeps sticking in my mind for no apparent reason, is the one where I read his QB rating against is only 67. Doesn't that seem good to you. It does to me. Granted he still has the technique flaw of not getting his head around, but when he does, he will truly become the #1 type CB we thought he had in 2010. If CB's are valued higher than safeties in the great scheme of things then, I'd rather not move who I think will be a good one to the "less" valuable position.

2. Gregory is the key to all this. Because of his injury, Chung was forced to his position, and he just isn't suited. Chung has been much more effective when playing more of the strong safety. I feel that with Gregory back, we will see an improvement in Chungs' play since he will now be put in more positions to suceed. He'd be back in his "comfort zone". Also, with Wilson's workload lowered, his natural progression can get back on track. So getting Gregory back improves 4 secondary positions. FS, SS safety depth and CB

If there has been an error in planning it was in creating the situation where Gregory has become such a critical piece.

3. Now with the safety position stabilized a bit, McCourty can go back to CB giving that position the kind of depth and skill sets that will allow Patriicia to get much more creative with the pass rush.

With Cole, Dennard we now have 2 guys who do reasonably well in man coverage inside the numbers. In a few weeks with Talib available, we can add 2 guys who are decent in man coverage outside the the numbers. in McCourty and Talib

The most important aspect of the Talib trade is that the Pats are now in the best condition personnel-wise to play man to man coverages that they've ever been under BB.

4 The defense, despite what we are kept being fed, is already better than last season, and is being put into a position to get better yet as the season goes on. Its certainly not where we want it to be, but if you haven't been encouraged by what you've see the defense accomplish the first half of the season, despite some key injuries, then you must have a thing against happiness.

5. I'm not saying things are good, or even acceptable on defense. BUT THEY ARE BETTER and along with the complaints we should be willing to recognize that as well.

5. I know that it was an extremely small sample, but for some reason I was very happy with Ryan Mallett's very brief showing last week. I think the thing I'm taking away from the few plays he was given was his comfort level in the pocket. Even though he was under pressure during those screen passes, he never looked panicked or rushed. The one that was called back especially. On that one he was forced to change his throwing angle and loft, and still managed an accurate pass He showed a level of calmness that I don't remember seeing previously, and makes me look forward to seeing more. Any others feel the same way?

6. The loss of the 4th round pick got me thinking about the draft and I thought I'd mention this again. The new CBA mandates that players coming into the league are limited to 4 year contracts now.

There are 250 odd players drafted every year. 4 years later there are roughly 150 survivors from that class who are now proven assets with tons of film on them who will be eligible to become UFAs. I have to think ONE of them will be both of sufficient skill and reasonable cost to be a become a more impactful player than whomever we might have taken with the 130th pick in the draft

The shorter cycle to FA and larger numbers will make the market both talent heavy and economical for smart teams to pick up PROVEN talent to augment their rosters. It won't replace the draft as the best way to economically restock one's roster, but in the odd year when you don't have your full compliment of picks for one reason or another, a team in good cap shape, can recoup those losses in the FA Market without having to pay big money

On average, every year teams replace 15-20 players on their roster. Every year the Pats have to add 15-20 new names. They don't give you extra points if most come from the draft That's why giving away mid round picks for shots at high end players is not a bad idea, even when they don't work out. Its not like the spigot of new players is going to stop running because you lost a draft pick...or even 3

7. I can't see a franchise in London working until they can put an entire division over there. The logistics would just be too unfair. Besides would you really want to see more than 32 teams in the league. What would happen to the talent level. We've see what over expand gets you.....the NHL

8. Interesting bye week hypothetical - Brian Waters calls up Bill and says he's in great shape and dying to play the rest of the season for a Million Dollars. Your reply would be........

OK, that should kill some time. Feel free to add any of your own whimsical thought to the discussion. Its not like we have anything else to do for the next week or so. I'm really not ready to start talking about the pros and cons of the Buffalo Bills

I hadn't thought about the domino effect with Gregory being injured, good point there. I considered the safety position to be the weakest of all positions on the 2011 team. With that in mind I was a bit disappointed that the Patriots did not bring in more player(s) at that position for training camp (and OTAs). By comparison look at the number of wide receivers that were signed to compete for what was realistically only three roster spots (Welker and Lloyd being roster locks).

7. I can't see a franchise in London working until they can put an entire division over there. The logistics would just be too unfair. Besides would you really want to see more than 32 teams in the league. What would happen to the talent level. We've see what over expand gets you.....the NHL

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They would have to have the London team play 4 home, 4 away, 4 home and 4 away to make it work for them. They would then have to set up a home base in the states.

The interesting one is how do you work the schedule for the teams traveling over there? If you start London at home the first 4 weeks are rough. If you start them on the road the last 4 weeks are tough. What about Monday and Thursday night games?

I think you would have the first 4 games against teams all from the eastern time zone going to London. Then the next 4 games which would fall in games 9-12 teams would have the bye week after. If a team plays a Monday or Thursday the bye week would have to be worked in.

Then there's the biggest issue of all. What happens if they actually host a playoff game? Now imagine a conference championship game? The entire press corps having to take it over seas?

I really don't think they have the European traction that they think they have to make this happen any time soon and I seriously doubt they've thought this all out.

Ridley is the leading rusher in the AFC.. not bad for the oft maligned Offensive Line.. hats off to Dante.

Or D backfield has gotten quite a bit more experience with one move...

Talib is a big strong d back..

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A minor point too, which is nice to consider as we go through a bye week getting our inuries healed up, the Pats are not only adding a quality player to the DB ranks, but with his four week suspension added to our own bye week, he should be completely healthy.

2. Even before Talib was acquired a popular topic here was "Where should Devin McCourty play the rest of the season. Here is my 2 cents.

a. FS - There is a good case to move him back there. He has excellent range. Good coverage skills especially since he doesn't have to turn his back to the play as much, closes well on the ball, and is an excellent tackler. These are all things you look at in a coverage safety. So the safety position for the Pats would definitely be upgraded with that move.

b. Personally I'd be against it, if/when Gregory and Chung both return to health, for a bunch of reasons but these are the most pressing

1. McCourty has been very undervalued as a CB here. The stat that keeps sticking in my mind for no apparent reason, is the one where I read his QB rating against is only 67. Doesn't that seem good to you. It does to me. Granted he still has the technique flaw of not getting his head around, but when he does, he will truly become the #1 type CB we thought he had in 2010. If CB's are valued higher than safeties in the great scheme of things then, I'd rather not move who I think will be a good one to the "less" valuable position.

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One thing to keep in mind. Talib and Dennard (even Dowling) better in man coverage. McCourty better in zone struggled last year in man. McCourty makes the safety position better. So personnel indicates man thus McCourty at safety. I might be wrong but personnel is screaming man coverage IMO.

One thing to keep in mind. Talib and Dennard (even Dowling) better in man coverage. McCourty better in zone struggled last year in man. McCourty makes the safety position better. So personnel indicates man thus McCourty at safety. I might be wrong but personnel is screaming man coverage IMO.

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On the surface, Don, that makes sense. McCourty was brought up in a zone system at Rutgers and played mostly zone in his first year. Over the last 2 years he's had to play more man coverage and zone coverages that require him to use the trail technique. In 2011 he didn't do well in man, and while improving this season, clearly he isn't what you'd call a man to man specialist.

Still I think we'd be better off with Dennard and Coles working man coverages in the slot, with Talib and and McCourty working outside the numbers. I think Gregory Chung and Wilson cann fill the safety slots with McCourty available to go back there if there are injuries.

Next it IF we re-sign Talib, and IF Dowling comes back healthy I wouldn't mind the idea of putting McCourty back there at on a permanent basis

1.It occurred to me that we are very quickly building a stable of RB's that is versitile, deep, talented, young and currently very inexpensive. Next year our RB stable will consist of Ridely, Vareen, Boldin, and Demps just for starters. All very young, fast and explosive (Boldin not so much, but he runs the hardest). And if for some reason you wanted Danny Woodhead back, he could be had for well under a million/yr

That's probably the most RB talent the Pats have ever had going into a season.

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I hadn't thought about this until now but this reminded me of the pre-season projections and predictions amongst fans and media members of the AFC East division teams. Just two months ago anybody that were to suggest that the Patriots running backs were anything other than lagging far behind those of the three other teams was laughed at and shouted down as being a delusional homer; 'experts' and fans alike declared that it was an undebatable point that the running games of the Bills, Jets and Dolphins were all vastly superior to that of the Patriots.

On the surface, Don, that makes sense. McCourty was brought up in a zone system at Rutgers and played mostly zone in his first year. Over the last 2 years he's had to play more man coverage and zone coverages that require him to use the trail technique. In 2011 he didn't do well in man, and while improving this season, clearly he isn't what you'd call a man to man specialist.

Still I think we'd be better off with Dennard and Coles working man coverages in the slot, with Talib and and McCourty working outside the numbers. I think Gregory Chung and Wilson cann fill the safety slots with McCourty available to go back there if there are injuries.

Next it IF we re-sign Talib, and IF Dowling comes back healthy I wouldn't mind the idea of putting McCourty back there at on a permanent basis

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Dennard has shown more at CB playing MtM than Dowling. Hes the incumbent at the other CB spot.

1.It occurred to me that we are very quickly building a stable of RB's that is versitile, deep, talented, young and currently very inexpensive..... All very young, fast and explosive (Boldin not so much, but he runs the hardest). That is what I like-HARD WORKER, and who says he is not explosive; he has a couple of 15+ yd runs to his credit.........
That's probably the most RB talent the Pats have ever had going into a season. And for those you desperate for more draft picks, an obvious area where we have some trade ammo.please no. I like having one position fixed.

2. Even before Talib was acquired a popular topic here was "Where should Devin McCourty play the rest of the season. Here is my 2 cents.

a. FS - There is a good case to move him back there. ....

b. Personally I'd be against it, if/when Gregory and Chung both return to health, for a bunch of reasons but these are the most pressing

1. McCourty has been very undervalued as a CB here. ......

2. Gregory is the key to all this. ..... So getting Gregory back improves 4 secondary positions. FS, SS safety depth and CB

If there has been an error in planning it was in creating the situation where Gregory has become such a critical piece.same S issue as last year; gregory was one of the 2 - 2.5 attempts to fix it (wilson/ebner the other 1.5). Not sure you can call that an error in planning as much as unlucky injuries that challenge the depth before BB got a chance to develop it (wilson/ebner)

3. ......
The most important aspect of the Talib trade is that the Pats are now in the best condition personnel-wise to play man to man coverages that they've ever been under BB. Good.
4 The defense, despite what we are kept being fed, is already better than last season, and is being put into a position to get better yet as the season goes on. Its certainly not where we want it to be, but if you haven't been encouraged by what you've see the defense accomplish the first half of the season, despite some key injuries, then you must have a thing against happiness. Agreed, I am happier. But,.... I went on a drunken rant after the jester game because I was disappointed with what I perceived was the EFFORT; and got slammed by folks for being a melancholy dolt with nothing to be happy about. Adding more talent is Good, Good, GREAT!!! But if they dont put in the effort to be consistent and show up on game day; it means little. They can be the Eagles self-proclaimed dream team then. the Bruschis of 2001 were not the most talented guys; but they gave it all. That is a probably too high a standard to ask; but consistency I dont think is.

5. I'm not saying things are good, or even acceptable on defense. BUT THEY ARE BETTER and along with the complaints we should be willing to recognize that as well.

......
6. ..... The new CBA mandates that players coming into the league are limited to 4 year contracts now. .... 4 years later there are roughly 150 survivors from that class who are now proven assets with tons of film on them who will be eligible to become UFAs. I have to think ONE of them will be both of sufficient skill and reasonable cost to be a become a more impactful player than whomever we might have taken with the 130th pick in the draft.

The shorter cycle to FA and larger numbers will make the market both talent heavy and economical for smart teams to pick up PROVEN talent to augment their rosters....... Great insight. If anyone is going to operate a "smart team"; you like BB's chances to take advantage of this. He went draft heavy this past off-season; he might have been thinking along these lines himself: 'Use draft picks now there will be vets aplenty next year.'
.....

7. I can't see a franchise in London working until they can put an entire division over there. The logistics would just be too unfair. Besides would you really want to see more than 32 teams in the league. What would happen to the talent level. We've see what over expand gets you.....the NHL 32 is a magic #. All the playoffs and divisiions and scheduling works out beautifully. Adding 4 or 8 more teams would be bad business. So I would hate to see an ADDED team.

That said; I personally am not so sure that the logistics are so hard. It is 2 extra time zones but the flight time is not really that different Boston-SF than Boston to London. West coast to London would be brutal; but I would think the home-away series could be anywhere from 2-4 games in a row and easily doable.

8. Interesting bye week hypothetical - Brian Waters calls up Bill and says he's in great shape and dying to play the rest of the season for a Million Dollars. Your reply would be........A: as soon as you come here and pass my brand new conditioning test we can negotiate salary. (mumbled - you ******)

WOODHEAD
We really should extend him as soon as possible. And I do NOT want us to trade one of our running backs. We FINALLY have a solid running game, with a KR coming back next year who might contribute.

MCCOURTY
There are two keys.

First, Gregory is the key. If he is healthy, I think that the safety position is in good hand with Wilson and Gregory. Chung's health would also help in certain situations.

Second, McCourty is a solid corner. Having McCourty, Talib and Dennard as our 3 primary corners would be fine. This gives us Cole as a sub for any position and as our dime back.

BOTTOM LINE
Given a bit of health, Belichick will have revamped the 2011 secondary. Of the starting (including nickel) five, McCourty is our only carryover. Even the dime is new. Gone are Moore and Dowling. Demoted are Arrington and Chung. This is truly an amazing transformation. And the current secondary is much better than 2011, even before Talib takes the field. Extend Talib and Cole and we will be in fine shape for 2013. We even have Ebner, our developmental back for 2013 and beyond. I am NOT saying that we shouldn't be looking to upgrade in 2013. We should always do that. After all, we would still have Chung and Arrington to replace.

These are the dog days of the bye week. I mean we at least have to thank the Patriots for providing us with a little mid-week entertainment by trading for Tailb. At least that gave us one meaty thread to gnaw on. Here is some additional minutia to ponder before we get back to the season.

1.It occurred to me that we are very quickly building a stable of RB's that is versitile, deep, talented, young and currently very inexpensive. Next year our RB stable will consist of Ridely, Vareen, Boldin, and Demps just for starters. All very young, fast and explosive (Boldin not so much, but he runs the hardest). And if for some reason you wanted Danny Woodhead back, he could be had for well under a million/yr

That's probably the most RB talent the Pats have ever had going into a season. And for those you desperate for more draft picks, an obvious area where we have some trade ammo.

2. Even before Talib was acquired a popular topic here was "Where should Devin McCourty play the rest of the season. Here is my 2 cents.

a. FS - There is a good case to move him back there. He has excellent range. Good coverage skills especially since he doesn't have to turn his back to the play as much, closes well on the ball, and is an excellent tackler. These are all things you look at in a coverage safety. So the safety position for the Pats would definitely be upgraded with that move.

b. Personally I'd be against it, if/when Gregory and Chung both return to health, for a bunch of reasons but these are the most pressing

1. McCourty has been very undervalued as a CB here. The stat that keeps sticking in my mind for no apparent reason, is the one where I read his QB rating against is only 67. Doesn't that seem good to you. It does to me. Granted he still has the technique flaw of not getting his head around, but when he does, he will truly become the #1 type CB we thought he had in 2010. If CB's are valued higher than safeties in the great scheme of things then, I'd rather not move who I think will be a good one to the "less" valuable position.

2. Gregory is the key to all this. Because of his injury, Chung was forced to his position, and he just isn't suited. Chung has been much more effective when playing more of the strong safety. I feel that with Gregory back, we will see an improvement in Chungs' play since he will now be put in more positions to suceed. He'd be back in his "comfort zone". Also, with Wilson's workload lowered, his natural progression can get back on track. So getting Gregory back improves 4 secondary positions. FS, SS safety depth and CB

If there has been an error in planning it was in creating the situation where Gregory has become such a critical piece.

3. Now with the safety position stabilized a bit, McCourty can go back to CB giving that position the kind of depth and skill sets that will allow Patriicia to get much more creative with the pass rush.

With Cole, Dennard we now have 2 guys who do reasonably well in man coverage inside the numbers. In a few weeks with Talib available, we can add 2 guys who are decent in man coverage outside the the numbers. in McCourty and Talib

The most important aspect of the Talib trade is that the Pats are now in the best condition personnel-wise to play man to man coverages that they've ever been under BB.

4 The defense, despite what we are kept being fed, is already better than last season, and is being put into a position to get better yet as the season goes on. Its certainly not where we want it to be, but if you haven't been encouraged by what you've see the defense accomplish the first half of the season, despite some key injuries, then you must have a thing against happiness.

5. I'm not saying things are good, or even acceptable on defense. BUT THEY ARE BETTER and along with the complaints we should be willing to recognize that as well.

5. I know that it was an extremely small sample, but for some reason I was very happy with Ryan Mallett's very brief showing last week. I think the thing I'm taking away from the few plays he was given was his comfort level in the pocket. Even though he was under pressure during those screen passes, he never looked panicked or rushed. The one that was called back especially. On that one he was forced to change his throwing angle and loft, and still managed an accurate pass He showed a level of calmness that I don't remember seeing previously, and makes me look forward to seeing more. Any others feel the same way?

6. The loss of the 4th round pick got me thinking about the draft and I thought I'd mention this again. The new CBA mandates that players coming into the league are limited to 4 year contracts now.

There are 250 odd players drafted every year. 4 years later there are roughly 150 survivors from that class who are now proven assets with tons of film on them who will be eligible to become UFAs. I have to think ONE of them will be both of sufficient skill and reasonable cost to be a become a more impactful player than whomever we might have taken with the 130th pick in the draft

The shorter cycle to FA and larger numbers will make the market both talent heavy and economical for smart teams to pick up PROVEN talent to augment their rosters. It won't replace the draft as the best way to economically restock one's roster, but in the odd year when you don't have your full compliment of picks for one reason or another, a team in good cap shape, can recoup those losses in the FA Market without having to pay big money

On average, every year teams replace 15-20 players on their roster. Every year the Pats have to add 15-20 new names. They don't give you extra points if most come from the draft That's why giving away mid round picks for shots at high end players is not a bad idea, even when they don't work out. Its not like the spigot of new players is going to stop running because you lost a draft pick...or even 3

7. I can't see a franchise in London working until they can put an entire division over there. The logistics would just be too unfair. Besides would you really want to see more than 32 teams in the league. What would happen to the talent level. We've see what over expand gets you.....the NHL

8. Interesting bye week hypothetical - Brian Waters calls up Bill and says he's in great shape and dying to play the rest of the season for a Million Dollars. Your reply would be........

OK, that should kill some time. Feel free to add any of your own whimsical thought to the discussion. Its not like we have anything else to do for the next week or so. I'm really not ready to start talking about the pros and cons of the Buffalo Bills

And if for some reason you wanted Danny Woodhead back, he could be had for well under a million/yr

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I want him back, and I'm pretty sure that TFB would like him back too. Kid's a gamer.

McCourty has been very undervalued as a CB here. The stat that keeps sticking in my mind for no apparent reason, is the one where I read his QB rating against is only 67. Doesn't that seem good to you. It does to me. Granted he still has the technique flaw of not getting his head around, but when he does, he will truly become the #1 type CB we thought he had in 2010.

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Absolutely agree. McCourty has been trying, it seems to me, to adapt to man coverage and as much as folks want to nail him on it, the coaches also have to take some of the blame. He played in a primarily zone system at Rutgers and it still has to be a bit difficult to unlearn certain things.

If there has been an error in planning it was in creating the situation where Gregory has become such a critical piece.

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Can't argue with this.

The defense, despite what we are kept being fed, is already better than last season, and is being put into a position to get better yet as the season goes on. Its certainly not where we want it to be, but if you haven't been encouraged by what you've see the defense accomplish the first half of the season, despite some key injuries, then you must have a thing against happiness.

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Well said. What does it say when I actually look forward each game to seeing what Ninkovich is going to do? I'm a big 'Bama fan and was ecstatic when the Pats took Hightower. Love watching him play, but still..... Ninkovich is such an "X" factor.

I know that it was an extremely small sample, but for some reason I was very happy with Ryan Mallett's very brief showing last week. I think the thing I'm taking away from the few plays he was given was his comfort level in the pocket. Even though he was under pressure during those screen passes, he never looked panicked or rushed. The one that was called back especially. On that one he was forced to change his throwing angle and loft, and still managed an accurate pass He showed a level of calmness that I don't remember seeing previously, and makes me look forward to seeing more. Any others feel the same way?

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His comfort level seems to have steadily risen and he's growing into the Back-Up role quite well. I'm much more comfortable with him in that position now than i was at the start of the season. Having TFB as your mentor can't ever be a bad thing for an aspiring quarterback, no?

Interesting bye week hypothetical - Brian Waters calls up Bill and says he's in great shape and dying to play the rest of the season for a Million Dollars. Your reply would be........

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I'd say "See you tomorrow morning". Then I'd call the facilities guys and have them get his locker set up and ready for him.

Thanks again for another fine post. I always look forward to reading these.

I;m a big Woodhead fan. No on defends him more than I. However we have to face facts that Woodhead is limited physically to a certain skill set. That skill set is duplicated to a great part by both Vareen and Demps, and to a lesser degree by Ridley.

Next year roster spots will be as tight as they were this TC and with Demps, Ripley, Vareen, and Boldin all already on the roster BB might opt to swap Woody with Demps, add some speed and KRing and cut a few thousand K by moving Woodhead. Nothing against Woody he's been a fine player and far more productive over the last 3 years than we as fans had a right to expect.

Who knows if BB will go with more than 4 RBs, and if he does go with 5 will he need Woodheads skill set since he he has similar skills in the others and add a FB type like Larsen or K

I;m a big Woodhead fan. No on defends him more than I. However we have to face facts that Woodhead is limited physically to a certain skill set. That skill set is duplicated to a great part by both Vareen and Demps, and to a lesser degree by Ridley.

Next year roster spots will be as tight as they were this TC and with Demps, Ripley, Vareen, and Boldin all already on the roster BB might opt to swap Woody with Demps, add some speed and KRing and cut a few thousand K by moving Woodhead. Nothing against Woody he's been a fine player and far more productive over the last 3 years than we as fans had a right to expect.

Who knows if BB will go with more than 4 RBs, and if he does go with 5 will he need Woodheads skill set since he he has similar skills in the others and add a FB type like Larsen or K